Operation Fuel Announces New Assistance Program

Operation Fuel, Connecticut’s energy resource for needy families has announced a new assistance program. The agency’s director says many households are struggling to meet their energy needs even in summer. WNPR’s Harriet Jones reports.

Operation Fuel says the state now has a record number of low income families and seniors facing mounting bills and termination of service. It’s launching this new program to help families that may be facing a shut off of their utilities between August and November. After November 1st there’s a moratorium on shut-offs in place until May 1st, which protects the most vulnerable households during the heating season. But Pat Wrice, director of Operation Fuel, says many may run into trouble even before the moratorium takes effect.

This latest campaign is funded with $200,000 dollars in private donations, and will give $300 grants to help families to at least keep basic services in place. Wrice says even this program is just a temporary solution until Connecticut adopts what she regards as a vital policy – a discounted utility rate for low-income families.

For WNPR, I'm Harriet Jones.